If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, warming spices, and a uniquely sweet twist, then this Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. The magic of combining three types of beans with tangy apple cider vinegar, rich Dijon mustard, and the unmistakable zing of Dr Pepper soda makes for a mouthwatering side that’s perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or any time you want to impress. It’s like your favorite comfort food just got a deliciously unexpected upgrade.

Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one bringing its own layer of flavor, texture, and color to the Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe. From the blend of beans for hearty texture to the sweet and tangy notes from Dr Pepper and apple cider vinegar, every item plays an important part in creating this crowd-pleaser.

2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a fresh aromatic layer that perfectly complements the beans.
2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Provides a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
2 (15-oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Offers a vibrant color contrast and firm bite.
2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Brings a soft creaminess that balances the beans’ overall texture.
2 (12-oz) cans Dr Pepper soda: Adds a unique sweetness with undertones of cherry and spice that sets this recipe apart.
½ cup apple cider vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
½ cup ketchup: Brings a tomato-based sweetness and a little acidity for balance.
¼ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed): Adds caramel notes that deepen the flavor profile.
2 Tbsp dijon mustard: Gives a gentle sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Builds a savory umami foundation.
1 Tbsp chili powder: Provides a mild smoky heat to awaken your taste buds.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out the flavors and seasoning perfectly.

How to Make Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF so it’s ready when your bean mixture is prepared. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine all your drained and rinsed beans with the dried onion flakes, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and finally, the Dr Pepper soda. Stir everything together thoroughly to make sure those incredible flavors meld beautifully before cooking. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Next, place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring your flavorful bean mixture up to a boil. This step not only heats everything through but starts to thicken the sauce as the sugars from the Dr Pepper and brown sugar begin to caramelize. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfect

Once boiling, carefully transfer your pot, uncovered, to the preheated oven. Bake for one hour. This slow oven cooking lets all the ingredients blend into a luscious, thick sauce that clings to every bean, creating that satisfying sticky sweetness and rich flavor that makes this Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe a guaranteed hit in any household.

How to Serve Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your baked beans with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. A little fresh parsley or cilantro can add a burst of color and freshness, perfectly complementing the baked beans’ sweet and savory depth.

Side Dishes

Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or brisket. For a full southern-style meal, serve alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get a little creative? Serve these beans in hollowed-out baked potatoes or as a topping for nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños. You can even stuff them inside grilled peppers or use them in a hearty bean chili for a flavor-packed twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dr Pepper Baked Beans will store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious recipe longer, simply freeze the beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beans gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking or drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring every minute or so for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?

While Dr Pepper is unique because of its blend of spices and cherry notes, you can experiment with other colas or sodas, but keep in mind this will change the final flavor profile of the beans.

What kind of beans work best in this recipe?

The combination of pinto, kidney, and cannellini beans provides a nice variety of textures and flavors. You can stick to just one or mix in others like black beans if you prefer, but the trio creates the perfect balance.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly (some contain anchovies) or substitute with soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

How thick should the baked beans sauce be?

After baking, the sauce should be thick and sticky enough to coat each bean well without being watery. If it’s too thick for your liking, stir in a little water or extra Dr Pepper to loosen it up when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Give the Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe a try the next time you want a crowd-pleasing side with a twist of sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for weekend cookouts and gatherings. Once you taste these baked beans, I guarantee they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 42 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Dr Pepper Baked Beans are a flavorful and hearty side dish featuring a blend of pinto, kidney, and cannellini beans baked in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce made from Dr Pepper soda, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a mix of spices. Perfectly cooked in the oven until the sauce thickens, these baked beans bring a unique twist with their soda-infused sweetness and robust seasoning, making them an ideal accompaniment for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 (15-oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce and Seasonings

2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (12-oz) cans Dr Pepper soda
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the beans and thickening the sauce.
Combine ingredients: In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, add the pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried minced onion flakes, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and Dr Pepper soda. Stir everything together until well combined. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat on the stovetop and bring the bean mixture to a boil. This step helps to meld the flavors and start reducing the sauce slightly before baking.
Bake the beans: Once boiling, transfer the Dutch oven or pot (uncovered) into the preheated oven. Bake the beans for 1 hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to intensify. The slow baking will create a rich, thick consistency perfect for serving.

Notes

You can substitute Dr Pepper with root beer or cola for a similar sweet and soda-infused flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add an extra teaspoon of chili powder or some cayenne pepper.
Use low-sodium canned beans to control the salt content, and adjust seasoning as needed.
This dish pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American